High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese Recipe
This High-Protein Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese is a delicious twist on classic comfort food, combining lean ground beef with colorful bell peppers and creamy cheeses for a rich, satisfying dish packed with protein. Using whole wheat or chickpea pasta adds extra fiber and nutrition, making it a balanced meal perfect for any day of the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 800g lean ground beef (or turkey/chickpeas)
- 240g dry macaroni (whole wheat or chickpea pasta recommended)
Cheeses and Dairy
- 140g light cream cheese
- 50g shredded mozzarella
- 20g butter (or olive oil)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 100g chopped white onion
- 75g red bell pepper, chopped
- 75g green bell pepper, chopped
- 75g yellow bell pepper, chopped
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- Chili flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 125ml of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter or heat olive oil. Add the minced garlic, chopped white onion, and chopped red, green, and yellow bell peppers. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Cook the protein: Add the ground beef (or chosen substitute like turkey or chickpeas) to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the meat is thoroughly browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season and melt cheeses: Reduce the heat to low. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes to your taste. Stir in the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and any additional cheese slices until completely melted and incorporated into a creamy sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni back into the skillet with the creamy beef and vegetable sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring continuously until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta for added fiber and protein.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chickpeas for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Adjust seasoning amounts to suit your taste preferences, especially with paprika and chili flakes for heat.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add more pasta water to loosen it.
- For a dairy-free option, try vegan cream cheese and cheese alternatives.
Keywords: Philly cheesesteak, mac and cheese, high protein mac and cheese, creamy pasta, beef pasta skillet, healthy comfort food
